Benedict Maravilla

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recorded its highest passenger volume yet within a year since its operation, reaching over 50.1 million in 2024.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Star.

In a press release on Jan. 2, the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) reported that passengers passing through the airport in 2024 increased by 10.43% compared to the numbers recorded in 2023; also a 5.08% increase from that of 2019.

“More Filipinos are flying, and more visitors are coming to the Philippines. This growth is a clear sign that confidence in air travel has returned,” NNIC President Ramon Ang said.

NNIC also revealed that flight count in the airport exceeded numbers from the preceding years, including the pre-pandemic period.

A total of 293,488 flights were recorded by the airport, an 8.08% increase from 2019 and a 4.83% increase from 2023.

Ang also said that the growth that NAIA has witnessed is a sign of the return of air travel confidence among passengers.

“It motivates us to work even harder. Our goal is to ensure that NAIA provides a better experience for everyone—passengers, airlines, and partners alike,” Ang said.

According to NNIC, the numbers show the country’s recovery as a tourist destination and in the trade industry.

NNIC also vowed to improve its infrastructure and operation in response to the growing number of travellers to further support the country’s tourism and economy.